Chamber Events:

Annual Banquet-- The Chamber's Annual Banquet is normally held in February. The membership event accentuates the achievements of the previous year, names the "Small and Large Businesses of the Year" and the "Person of the Year." Officers and Board of Director members are named.

Over 170 people attended this year's event held at East Georgia College. This year's theme was "Over the Top." Highlights of the evening were the announcements of this year's awards. Swainsboro Raceway was named "Small Business of the Year," while Ogeechee Steel was named "Large Business of the Year." Dr. John Black was named "Person of the Year."

Chamber's Annual Golf Classic--The Chamber's Annual Golf Classic is jointly sponsored by the Emanuel County Joint Development Authorities and the Chamber of Commerce to show appreciation to local industries for their investment here in Emanuel County. Industries are invited to enjoy a round of golf, a "pig picking" and hospitality with Chamber members. Usually held in September, this event is one of the Chamber's best attended functions.

Small Business Development Classes--The Chamber offers a series of small business classes from time to time for start-ups, existing businesses and entrepreneurs. Classes were recently held in March & April and were sponsored by the Small Business Development Center at Georgia Southern University, Rural Economic Development Center at East Georgia College and by the Chamber. Over five nights, the topics included--Starting Your Own Business; Finding Money for Your Business; Secrets of Small Business Marketing Strategies; Understanding Financial Statements; The 25 Biggest Sales Mistakes & How To Avoid Them. Over 75 people attended the sessions.

Carols On the Square--This annual holiday event brings together young and old. With the downtown area decorated in Christmas lights and colors, choir members from various churches joined together at the Downtown Pavilion to usher in the holiday season singing Christmas hymns and other holiday favorites. The Emanuel Arts Council assisted with the event, serving hot chocolate and apple cider. Santa Claus arrived on the back of the City fire truck to delight the children.

Small Business Seminar is held

As part of ongoing efforts to assist local businesses and industries during difficult economic times, the Swainsboro/Emanuel County Chamber of Commerce joined forces with the Swainsboro/Emanuel County Joint Development Authorities and the Small Business Development Center at Georgia Southern University to sponsor a breakfast seminar on Wednesday Morning, August 19th.
Entitled "Survival Tips for Tough Economic Times," some sixty individuals, respresenting 32 different companies, gained insight into helpful strategies for business during an economic downtown. The seminar was free to all businesses and industries in the area. Topics included solving cash crisis, managing inventory, managing accounts payable, receivables, adjusting prices, marketing ideas, reducing cost and other valuable tips.